DHL Express Shipping - DHL REST API Integration

Key points

• • Modern DHL REST API integration with high performance

• • Automatic shipping rate calculation based on weight and address

• • Create DHL shipments directly from delivery orders

• • Print shipping labels in PDF or thermal format (8x4, 6x4)

• • Track shipment status via tracking number

• • Generate return labels for customers (automatic or manual)

• • Support customs declaration for international goods

• • Automatic shipping insurance calculation

User Permissions

Steps

• 1. Go to Inventory → Configuration → Delivery → Shipping Methods

• 2. Click New and fill: Shipping Method (name), Provider (DHL), Delivery Product

• 3. DHL Configuration tab - Authentication: DHL API Key, DHL API Secret, DHL Account Number

• 4. Configure region: Region (AP for Vietnam, AM for Americas, EU for Europe)

• 5. Select DHL Product: D - Express Worldwide (most common)

• 6. Configure package: DHLxw Package Type (DHL Box), Unit System (Metric for kg/cm)

• 7. Configure labels: Label Image Format (PDF), Label Template (8X4_A4_PDF)

• 8. Options: Dutiable Material (international goods), Duties paid by, Return label on delivery

Key points

• • Factors affecting rate: Total weight, sender/receiver address, DHL product type, customs declaration, insurance

• • Note: Products must have weight > 0, complete address (street, city, zip, country, phone)

Steps

• 1. Create new order: Sales → Orders → New

• 2. Add products to order

• 3. Select delivery address (Delivery Address)

• 4. Click Add Shipping

• 5. Select DHL method

• 6. Click Get Rate → system automatically calculates rate

Key points

• • Info sent to DHL: Sender (warehouse), receiver (customer), package list, weight/dimensions, goods value, customs declaration

• • Result: Tracking number, shipping label PDF, customs documents (if applicable)

Steps

• 1. Confirm order → creates delivery order (Delivery Order)

• 2. Open delivery order

• 3. Check: Complete delivery address, accurate weight, Carrier = DHL

• 4. Click Validate to confirm shipment

• 5. System automatically: Calls DHL API, creates tracking number, downloads label, attaches to chatter

Steps

• 1. Open validated delivery order

• 2. Go to Chatter tab (below form)

• 3. Find attachment: LabelShipping-DHL-[tracking_number].pdf

• 4. Click file to view or download

• 5. Print label on A4 paper or thermal printer

Label Formats

Key points

• • View tracking: Tracking Reference field on Delivery Order, Delivery tab of Sales Order

• • Track online: Click Tracking button or visit http://www.dhl.com/en/express/tracking.html?AWB=[tracking_number]

• • Status: Shipment information received, Picked up, In transit, Out for delivery, Delivered, Exception

Key points

• • Automatic: Enable Return label on delivery in configuration, label auto-created when validating delivery order

• • Manual: Create return picking from order, select DHL as carrier, validate return picking

• • Label file: LabelReturn-DHL-[tracking_number].pdf

• • Note: Return label has service code PV (Proof of Value), no automatic pickup, customer brings to DHL location

Key points

• • DHL REST API does not support complete shipment cancellation

• • When clicking Cancel: Tracking number removed from Odoo, carrier price reset to 0

• • How to handle: Contact DHL directly via hotline/portal, provide tracking number, request cancel pickup/void shipment

• • After DHL confirms, remove tracking number in Odoo

Key points

• • Preparation: Check accurate weight, update package type dimensions, complete address, contact phone

• • Cost optimization: Choose correct DHL product (Express 12:00 cheaper than Express 9:00), pack compactly, appropriate package type, insurance only for high-value goods

• • International goods: Enable Dutiable Material, fill complete HS Code, choose appropriate Incoterm, check customs documents

• • Label management: Save template suitable for printer, test print before actual shipping, backup PDF files, thermal printer for high volume

Errors and Solutions